Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Chance Encounter and Lesson Learnt

There
are some encounters which happen just like that without any warning or I’d say
foresight. Some people come into your life and they steal away your breath even
if they are the simplest of souls. Well, such an encounter took place with me,
right at my home. I was expectant from the moment it happened to share it in my
space right here, but it got a bit delayed due to some many other
activities.

I
have had a thought of practicing and learning (this part first) photography
since quite some time, and photographers have always been an attraction for me.
Due to some official work, a professional photographer, Mr. Subhabrata Das, had
to visit my home, and he was kind enough to share some experiences of his work.

Subhabrata
Das is one of the most humble people I have ever met, and his commitment is
seen from his every movement. From a busy schedule, Mr. Das took some time out
and enlightened me with his adventures as a photographer. The feeling that a
professional photographer would spend quality time with a kid like me is too wonderful
to express, and I have no words for it.

I
don’t know why I’m writing this post, but yes, I had the thought of doing it
the moment Mr. Das came into my home. I do not want to lose the privilege of
knowing his unique experiences so I will not delve into that. I would though
like to mention one of the best things he said.

“Always
make sure you do the thing you can’t live without. Like, I’m a photographer so
my mind always works just that way. Even when I’m talking to the Secretary of
my building, I imagine that if the man had been a bit to his left and his face
would be just a bit tilted to this angle, then he would have more light on his
face, and it would be better to talk to him. In everything I do, I have photography
with me, and it is my life. I just cannot live without it.”

Mr.
Das said this in the simplest of language and in the simplest tone as well. We
had just met, and I had just mentioned my thought that I would like to do some
photography when he said this. Ha had passed on such an important lesson in
such simple terms. Well, lesson learnt!

On
this auspicious day, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and would
like to pass on a message that one must always do the activity one cannot live
without rather than considering other factors. This allows you to remain
content and happy with yourself and your life.

2 comments:

Beautiful. I can totally see what Mr Das was pointing to when he says his mind has started working in that way. Sometimes, esp after a trip, I start seeing things in frames. More power to such passionate patrons of photography !